pomfret

[ pom-frit, puhm- ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) pom·fret, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) pom·frets.

1. any of several scombroid fishes of the family Bramidae, found in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
2. any of several East Indian stromateid fishes, especially Stromateoides argenteus, valued as food.

pomfret

¹

/ ˈpɒm-; ˈpʌmfrɪt /

noun

1. a small black rounded confection of liquorice Also calledPontefract cake

pomfret

²

/ ˈpɒmfrɪt /

noun

1. any of various fishes of the genus Stromateidae of the Indian and Pacific oceans: valued as food fishes
2. any of various scombroid fishes, esp Brama raii, of northern oceans: valued as food fishes

Word History and Origins

Origin of pomfret¹

First recorded in 1720–30; earlier pamplee, pamflet, pomphlet; compare French pample, Portuguese pampo

Word History and Origins

Origin of pomfret¹

C19: from Pomfret, earlier form of Pontefract , where the cake was originally made

Origin of pomfret²

C18: perhaps from a diminutive form of Portuguese pampo

Example Sentences

Tang says he wants to include more local ingredients Singaporeans take for granted onto his menu, things like Chinese greens and everyday fish like pomfret.

From Los Angeles Times

She uses all kinds of other fish instead — pomfret, pearl spot, mackerel or kingfish.

From New York Times

I must have looked confused because Williams quickly added that the fish also goes by the handle pomfret.

From Washington Post

Rice and noodles are abundant, as well as grilled meats such as chicken, pork chop, and pomfret. 

From Los Angeles Times

Fishermen in Alaska have caught a “bumper crop” of black cod and silvery pomfrets near the coast, even though they’re usually found way out at sea.

From Seattle Times